Powered Device Including a Multi-Use Detection Resistor

ABSTRACT

In a particular embodiment, a method includes receiving a powered device (PD) detection signal at a PD from a powered network and applying the PD detection signal to an external resistor to provide a detection signature to the powered network. Further, the method includes receiving a PD classification mark signal at the PD, applying the received PD classification mark signal to the external resistor, and selectively activating a classification mark current path in parallel with the external resistor to produce a classification mark signature.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application is a continuation of and claims priority from U.S.patent application Ser. No. 12/208,533, filed on Sep. 11, 2008, andentitled “Powered Device Including a Multi-Use Detection Resistor”, nowU.S. Pat. No. 7,979,168, which is incorporated herein by reference inits entirety, and which is a continuation-in-part of and claims priorityfrom U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/492,367, filed on Jul. 25,2006, and entitled “POWERED DEVICE INCLUDING A DETECTION SIGNATURERESISTOR,” now U.S. Pat. No. 7,548,799, which is incorporated herein byreference in its entirety.

FIELD

The present disclosure is generally related to powered devices in Powerover Ethernet (PoE) networks, and more particularly to powered devicesincluding a multi-use detection resistor.

BACKGROUND

Power over Ethernet (PoE), which is outlined in IEEE Std 802.3-2005clause 33 (the PoE standard), refers to a technique for delivering powerand data to an electronic device via Ethernet cabling. PoE eliminatesthe need for a separate power source to deliver power to attachedpowered devices. In a PoE system, a power sourcing equipment (PSE)device provides a power supply to electronic devices, which may bereferred to as powered devices (PDs), via an Ethernet cable. Such PDsmay include voice over Internet protocol (VoIP) telephones, wirelessrouters, security devices, network devices, field devices to monitorprocess control parameters, data processors, other devices, or anycombination thereof.

The PoE standard specifies that the PSE device perform a powered devicedetection operation to determine whether the PD is attached beforesupplying power via the Ethernet cable. To perform the PD detectionoperation, the PSE device applies a DC voltage (within a range of 2.8 to10 Volts DC) to pairs of wires of the Ethernet cable and monitors areceived current (Amps) or a received voltage (V) to detect a resistance(i.e., a PD detection signature) within an expected range (e.g., between19 and 26.5 K-ohms). If the PSE device does not detect a validresistance, the PSE device does not apply power to the Ethernet portassigned to the PD.

Once a PD has been detected, the PoE standard specifies that the PSEdevice may optionally perform a PD power classification operation todetermine power requirements of the detected PD. Such power requirementsmay be used by the PSE device to manage its power budget. The PoEStandard specifies five device classes, classes zero through four (0-4),which classes define expected power consumption levels for particularcategories (classes) of PDs. If the PSE device supports powerclassification, the PSE device applies a PD classification voltage (DC)to the Ethernet port associated with the detected PD and monitors theEthernet port to detect a PD classification signature associated withthe detected PD. A current level associated with the PD classificationsignature corresponds to a particular classification and specifies thePD's power classification. For example, a current signature between zeroand four mA corresponds to class 0, which is also the default class forPDs that do not support classification. A current draw of 26 to 30 mAand of 36 to 44 mA corresponds to class 3 and class 4 devices,respectively. The PoE standard specifies that PDs in classes 0, 3, or 4expect a power supply of approximately 15.4 watts. A current draw ofbetween 9 and 12 mA corresponds to a class 1 device, and the PoEstandard specifies that the PSE provide a power supply of up toapproximately 4 watts to a class 1 device. A class 2 device correspondsto a current draw of 17 to 20 mA and requires the PSE to provide a powersupply of approximately 7 watts of power.

A revised PoE standard, which can be referred to as the PoE “Plus”Standard (the PoE+ Standard), makes use of the class 4 classification todetect a PoE+ enabled PD. In a particular example, a current draw of 36to 44 mA (class 4) can identify the PD as being a PoE+ enabled PD. Inresponse to detecting a class 4 PD classification signature, under thePoE+ Standard, the PSE device may perform a PoE+ classification process,which includes one or more additional PD classification voltages appliedfor periods of time that are separated by classification mark voltages.During application of the PD classification voltages, the PD is expectedto provide a PD classification signature (such as a current signaturethat corresponds to the power classification of the PD). Duringapplication of the classification mark voltages, the PD provides a PDclassification mark signature (such as a classification mark currentwithin a current range from 0.25 mA to 4 mA).

Hence, there is a need for circuitry to provide the PD detection and PDclassification signatures. Embodiments disclosed herein can providesolutions to these and other problems, and offer other advantages overthe prior art.

SUMMARY

In a particular embodiment, a method includes receiving a powered device(PD) detection signal at a PD from a powered network and applying the PDdetection signal to an external resistor to provide a detectionsignature to the powered network. Further, the method includes receivinga PD classification mark signal at the PD, applying the received PDclassification mark signal to the external resistor, and selectivelyactivating a classification mark current path in parallel with theexternal resistor to produce a classification mark signature.

In another particular embodiment, a Power over Ethernet (PoE) powereddevice includes an external resistor having a first terminal and asecond terminal and includes an integrated circuit. The integratedcircuit includes a first pin coupled to the first terminal of theexternal resistor and coupled to a first power supply terminal andincludes a second pin coupled to the second terminal of the externalresistor. The integrated circuit further includes a first logic circuitto selectively couple the second pin to a second power supply terminalvia a first current path in response to a powered device (PD) detectionsignal to produce a PD detection signature. Additionally, the integratedcircuit includes a second logic circuit to selectively couple the secondpin to the second power supply terminal via a second current path inresponse to a PD classification mark signal. The second current pathincludes a current source in parallel with the external resistor toproduce a PD classification mark signature.

In still another particular embodiment, a circuit device includes aninterface coupled to a cable to receive power and data, a first powersupply terminal coupled to the interface, and a second power supplyterminal coupled to the interface. The circuit device further includes afirst pin coupled to the first power supply terminal and to a firstterminal of an external resistor and a second pin coupled to a secondterminal of the external resistor. The circuit device also includeslogic circuitry coupled to the interface and adapted to detect a firstsignal at the interface and to selectively couple the second pin to thesecond power supply terminal via a first current path in response todetecting the first signal to produce a first current. The powereddevice is further adapted to detect a second signal at the interface andto selectively couple the second pin to the second power supply terminalvia a second current path that places a first current source in parallelwith the external resistor in response to detecting the second signal toproduce a second current.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a graph of a particular representative embodiment of a Powerover Ethernet (PoE) system including a powered device (PD) detection andclassification voltage over time at a voltage port of the PD;

FIG. 2 is a diagram of a particular illustrative embodiment of a powerover Ethernet (PoE) system including a powered device with a multi-usepin and including a PoE detection and classification controller and areference current generator;

FIG. 3 is a diagram of a particular illustrative embodiment of a portionof an integrated circuit device including circuitry to utilize anexternal PD detection resistor to selectively provide one of a PDdetection signature and a PD classification mark current via a multi-usepin;

FIG. 4 is a diagram of a particular illustrative embodiment of a portionof an integrated circuit device including circuitry to utilize anexternal PD detection resistor to selectively provide one of a PDdetection signature, a PD classification mark current, and one or moreother currents (or PD signatures) via a multi-use pin;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a particular illustrative embodiment of anintegrated circuit device including a multi-use pin coupled to anexternal circuit device and including logic circuitry to selectivelyutilize the external circuit device for different processes via amulti-use pin; and

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram of a particular illustrative embodiment of amethod of utilizing a detection resistor for multiple applications via amulti-use pin.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 is a graph 100 of a particular representative embodiment of aPower over Ethernet (PoE) powered device (PD) detection andclassification (port) voltage over time at a voltage port of the PD,which port voltage is received from a power sourcing equipment (PSE)device. The graph 100 illustrates a detect and reset region 102 within arange from −2.7 volts to −6.9 volts. The graph 100 also shows a detectand mark region 104 between −6.9 volts and −10.1 volts. Further, thegraph 100 illustrates a mark threshold region 106 between −10.1 voltsand −14.5 volts and a classification region 108 between −14.5 volts and−20.5 volts. Additionally, the graph 100 illustrates an operating powersupply range that is between −42 volts and −57 volts. It should beunderstood that the graph 100 illustrates a particular example of anegative power supply. In an alternative example, the graph 100 could bepresented as positive detection and classification signals by invertingthe voltages.

The graph 100 illustrates a port voltage at an input port of a powereddevice. A PSE device can apply powered device (PD) detection signals(Vdetect1 and Vdetect2) 112 to the port of the powered device. The PDcan apply the PD detection signals 112 to an external precision resistorof the powered device to provide a PD detection signature. By applyingtwo PD detection signals 112, the PSE device can measure two PDsignatures (such as two current levels) and can use the measured PDsignatures to determine a voltage-current slope that reflects aresistance (i.e., a PD detection resistor). If the measured PD detectionsignatures indicates a resistance that is outside of a range fromapproximately 19 kΩ to approximately 26.5 kΩ, then the PSE device turnsoff power to the input port (as indicated at 113).

If a valid PD detection resistance is detected, the PSE device canprovide an operating voltage that is within a range from approximately−42 volts to −57 volts and a power supply of approximately 15.4 Watts.Optionally, under the PoE Standard, the PSE device can supply a PDclassification signal 116 within the classification range 108 (i.e.,between −14.5 volts and −20.5 volts). If the PSE device detects a validPD classification signature in response to the PD classification signal116, the PSE can provide an operating voltage within the range from −42volts to −57 volts and a power supply that is based on the determined PDclassification (e.g., approximately 15.4 Watts). If the PSE device doesnot detect a valid PD classification signature, the PSE device caneither reset and provide no power supply to the port (as indicated at120) or provide the default operating voltage as indicated at 118.

Under the PoE Plus Standard, multiple PD classification signals can beprovided, such as the PD classification signals 116 and 124, whichsignals are separated by PD classification mark signals 122 and 126. ThePD classification mark signals 122 and 126 are within the detect andmark region 104 between −6.9 volts and −10.1 volts. In a particularembodiment, the PSE device can apply multiple classification signals,such as the PD classification signals 116 and 124, and a correspondingnumber of PD classification mark signals 122 and 126.

In response to the PD classification mark signals 122 and 126, the PD isadapted to provide a PD classification mark signature, which can be in arange from approximately 0.25 mA to approximately 4 mA. The PSE appliesthe second PD classification signal 124, and the PD provides a PDclassification signature in response to the second PD classificationsignal 124. The PSE then applies the second mark signal 126, and the PDprovides the PD classification mark signature. Depending on theimplementation, the PSE can be adapted to apply any number of PDclassification signals, such as the signals 116 and 124, separated by acorresponding number of PD classification mark signals, such as thesignals 122 and 126.

In this particular example, after the second PD classification signal124, at least one second PD classification mark signal 126 is provided.If the PSE device detects a valid PD classification mark signature, thePSE can provide a voltage within the operating voltage range (asindicated at 128) and at a power level corresponding to the particularclassification associated with the powered device. However, if the PSEdoes not detect a valid PD classification mark signature, the PSE canreset and provide no power supply to the port (as indicated at 130).

To operate in conjunction with the PoE Standard, the PoE Plus Standard,or other standards that may emerge in the future, a powered device canbe adapted to provided multiple responsive signals, such as a PDdetection signature, a PD classification signature, a PD classificationmark signature, other signatures or signals, or any combination thereof.Further, the graph 100 is illustrative only and is intended to providean understanding of a particular embodiment of a powered devicedetection and classification process for the PoE Standard or the PoE+Standard. However, while the voltage levels may vary, the process ofdetection and classification may be performed in a similar manner in abroadband over power line implementation as well.

FIG. 2 is a diagram of a particular illustrative embodiment of a powerover Ethernet (PoE) system 200 including a powered device 204 with amulti-use pin 232 and including powered device (PD) control circuitry238 to selectively utilize an external resistor 230 to provide a PDdetection signature, a PD classification signature, a PD classificationmark signature, other signatures, or any combination thereof. The system200 includes a power sourcing equipment (PSE) device 202 and the powereddevice 204, which are communicatively coupled by a network cable 206,such as a twisted pair CAT5e Ethernet cable.

The PSE device 202 may include an Ethernet switch 208, a high voltagepower supply 210, and a power injector 212, which are coupled to aninterface 214 to inject power and data onto wires of the network cable206. In general, though only a single powered device 204 is shown, itshould be understood that the PSE device 202 may be coupled to multiplepowered devices. In a particular embodiment, the PSE device 202 caninclude a plurality of network nodes, and each of the plurality ofnetwork nodes may be coupled to a respective powered device, such as thepowered device 204, via a corresponding network cable 206.

The powered device 204 is adapted to derive power and receive data fromthe network cable 206. The powered device 204 includes at least oneintegrated circuit 216 that includes a communication interface 218,which is adapted to connect to the network cable 206. The integratedcircuit 216 further includes one or more diode bridges 220 coupled tothe communication interface 218 to rectify a power supply received viathe network cable 206. The one or more diode bridges 220 provide apositive power supply (V_(POS)) to a positive power supply pin 222 and anegative power supply (V_(NEG)) to a negative power supply pin 224. Anexternal resistor 230 includes a first terminal coupled to the positivesupply pin 222 and a second terminal coupled to a multi-use pin 232. Thepowered device 204 further includes a direct-current (DC)-to-DCconverter 228, which is coupled between pins 234 and 236 and which isadapted to provide a regulated power supply to one or more circuits (notshown). In an alternative embodiment, one or both of the one or morediode bridges 220 and the communication interface 218 may be separatefrom and coupled to the integrated circuit 216.

The integrated circuit 216 includes Power over Ethernet (PoE) protocolcircuitry 226, which is coupled to the positive and negative supply pins222 and 224. The PoE protocol circuitry 226 includes a reference voltagegenerator 240 that is coupled to the positive supply pin 222 and that isadapted to produce a reference voltage (VREF) 242. The PoE protocolcircuitry 226 further includes a reference current generator 244 that isadapted to produce a reference current (I_(REF)) 246. The referencecurrent generator 244 is coupled to the multi-use pin 232 via anisolating diode 248. The PoE protocol circuitry 226 further includes PDcontrol circuitry 238, which is adapted to control operation of the PoEprotocol circuit 226. The PD control circuitry 238 includes PD detectioncontrol circuitry 268 to control operation of the PoE protocol circuitry226 during a PD detection process. Additionally, the PD controlcircuitry 238 includes PD classification control circuitry 270 tocontrol operation of the PoE protocol circuitry 226 during a PDclassification process that includes PD classification andclassification mark signaling.

The PoE protocol circuitry 226 further includes a PD detection switch250 that is coupled between the multi-use pin 232 and the negativesupply pin 224 and which is responsive to a PD detection control signalfrom the PD detection control circuitry 268 via a control line 252. ThePoE protocol circuitry 226 further includes a PD classification switch254 that is coupled to a first current generator 258 and that isresponsive to a PD classification control signal received from the PDclassification control circuitry 270 via a control line 256. Further,the PoE protocol circuitry 226 also includes a PD classification markswitch 260 that is coupled to a second current generator 264 and that isresponsive to a PD classification mark control signal from the PDclassification control circuitry 270 via a control line 262. The firstand second current generators 258 and 264 are coupled to the multi-usepin 232 and to the positive supply pin 222. Additionally, the PoEprotocol circuitry 226 includes a hot swap switch 266 that is adapted toselectively couple a switched voltage supply terminal 235 to thenegative supply pin 224 in response to control signals received from thePD protocol circuitry 238.

In a particular embodiment, the PSE device 202 performs a PD detectionprocess to detect a powered device 204 attached to the network cable206. As discussed above with respect to FIG. 1, at least one powereddevice (PD) detection signal is applied to the network cable 206. In aparticular embodiment, the PD detection control circuitry 268 is adaptedto detect the PD detection signal at the positive supply pin 222. Inresponse to the PD detection signal, the PD detection control circuitry238 of the powered device 204 generates a control signal via controlline 252 to selectively activate the PD detection switch 250 toselectively couple the multi-use pin 232 to the negative power supplypin 224 via a first communication path (i.e., via the PD detectionswitch 250), to produce a PD detection signature in response to the atleast one PD detection signal, which PD detection signature can bedetected as a PD detection resistance by the PSE device 202.

The PSE device 202 can optionally perform a PD classification process toclassify a power requirement of the powered device 204 that is attachedto the network cable 206. The PSE device 202 applies a first PDclassification signal to the network cable 206. The PD classificationcontrol circuitry 270 is adapted to detect PD classification signals atthe positive supply pin 222. In response to the first PD classificationsignal, the PD classification control circuitry 270 generates aclassification control signal via the line 256 to selectively activatethe PD classification switch 254 to selectively couple the multi-use pin232 to the negative power supply pin 224 via the first current generator258 and the PD classification switch 254 (i.e., a second communicationpath). In this particular example, the first current generator 258 iscoupled between the first and second power supply pins 222 and 224 inparallel with the external resistor 230. The first current generator 258can be configured as a current mirror or current amplifier to produce asecond current that can be aggregated with a current across the externalresistor 230 to provide a desired PD classification signature. In aparticular example, the first current mirror 258 can include a pair oftransistors having different dimensions (different widths and lengths)designed to produce a current that flows through the PD classificationswitch 254 to the negative power supply pin 224 to provide a desired PDclassification signature, which can be detected by the PSE device 202.

Further, if the PSE device 202 applies a PD classification mark signalto the network cable 206, the PD classification control circuitry 270can be adapted to detect the PD classification mark signal. In responseto detecting the PD classification mark signal, the PD classificationcontrol circuitry 270 generates a classification mark control signal viathe line 262 to selectively activate the PD mark switch 260 to couplethe multi-use pin 232 to the second power supply pin 224 via the secondcurrent generator 264 and the PD classification mark switch 260 (i.e., athird communication path). In this particular example, the secondcurrent generator 264 can be coupled between the between the first andsecond power supply pins 222 and 224 in parallel with the externalresistor 230. The second current generator 264 can be configured as acurrent mirror or current amplifier to produce another current that canbe aggregated with the current across the external resistor 230 toprovide a desired PD classification mark signature. In a particularexample, the second current mirror 264 can include a pair of transistorshaving different dimensions (widths and lengths) designed to produce acurrent that flows through the PD classification mark switch 260 to thenegative power supply pin 224 to provide a desired PD classificationmark signature, which can be detected by the PSE device 202.

It should be understood that, while the external circuit element isindicated to be an external resistor 230, the multi-use pin 232 and theswitching arrangement may be utilized with other logic and with adifferent external circuit element, depending on the implementation. Forexample, the multi-use pin 232 could be utilized with an externalcapacitor to bias a terminal of the capacitor at a first voltage levelduring a first process and then at a second voltage level during asecond process. Further, the multi-use pin 232 may be used with passivecircuit components, such as resistors, capacitors, and inductors, withactive circuit components, such as transistors, filters, amplifiers, andthe like, or with any combination thereof. An example of a more generalimplementation is described below with respect to FIG. 5.

Furthermore, the multi-use pin 232 and the external resistor 230 can bereferenced to other polarities, such as a positive voltage (V_(POS)) anda negative voltage (V_(NEG)), respectively. Additionally, the internalcircuitry can be referenced to any permutation of the positive andnegative voltages.

FIG. 3 is a diagram of a particular illustrative embodiment of a portionof an integrated circuit device 300 including circuitry to utilize amulti-use pin 232 to reuse an external powered device (PD) detectionresistor 230 to selectively provide one of a PD detection signature anda PD classification mark current. The integrated circuit device 300includes a positive power supply pin 222 and a negative power supply pin224. The integrated circuit device 300 further includes the multi-usepin 232 and includes an external resistor (PD detection resistor) 230coupled between the positive power supply pin 222 and the multi-use pin232. The integrated circuit 300 also includes a PD detection switch 302including a first terminal coupled to the multi-use pin 232, a secondterminal, and a control terminal responsive to PD detection logic (suchas the PD detection control circuitry 268 illustrated in FIG. 2).Further, the integrated circuit 300 can include a PD classification markswitch 304 including a third terminal coupled to the second terminal ofthe PD detection switch 302, a fourth terminal coupled to the negativesupply pin 224, and a control terminal coupled to an inverter 306, whichinverter is responsive to PD classification mark logic (such as the PDclassification control circuitry 270 illustrated in FIG. 2).

The integrated circuit 300 further includes a second PD classificationmark switch 308 having a fifth terminal coupled to the multi-use pin232, a sixth terminal coupled to a node 310, and a control terminalcoupled to the PD classification mark logic. The integrated circuit 300also includes a current mirror (current amplifier) 312 including a firstmirror transistor 314 having a first drain terminal coupled to the node310, a first gate terminal coupled to the node 310, and a first sourceterminal coupled to a node 316. The current mirror 312 further includesa second mirror transistor 318 including a second drain terminal coupledto the positive power supply pin 222, a second gate terminal coupled tothe node 310, and a second source terminal coupled to the node 316. Thenode 316 is coupled to the negative power supply pin 224 via a sourcefollower circuit 320. The source follower circuit 320 includes a firstterminal coupled to the node 316, a second terminal coupled to negativepower supply pin 224, and a control terminal coupled to a node 322,which is coupled to the reference voltage (V_(REF)) via the referencedevice 326. The integrated circuit further includes a p-channel PDclassification mark transistor 324 including a source terminal coupledto the first power supply pin 222, a control terminal coupled to aninverter 325, which is responsive to PD classification mark logic, and adrain terminal coupled to the node 322 via a reference device 326, whichcan be used to provide the reference voltage (V_(REF)). The node 322 iscoupled to the negative power supply pin 224 via a resistor 328.

In a particular embodiment, the first mirror transistor 314 and thesecond mirror transistor 318 have different dimensions of length andwidth to multiply a detection current (I₁) via the current mirror 312 toproduce a second current (I₂) that can be larger than the detectioncurrent (I₁). In a particular embodiment, the second current (I₂) can beapproximately ten (10) times larger than the detection current (I₁) Inthis particular example, during a PD detection process, the PD detectionlogic activates the PD detect switch 302 and the PD classification marklogic provides a PD classification mark signal that is turned off(null), which is inverted by the inverter 306 to activate the PDclassification mark switch 304 to couple the multi-use pin 232 to thenegative power supply terminal 224, coupling the external resistor 230to the negative power supply terminal 224. Further, the PDclassification mark signal (which is off or null) is inverted by theinverter 325 to deactivate the switch 324, forcing all current to flowacross the external resistor 230.

During a PD classification process, the PD detection logic deactivatesthe PD detection switch 302 and the PD classification logic activatesthe PD classification switch 308 to couple the mirror circuit 312 to theexternal resistor 230. Current flow across the external resistor 230flows through the PD classification mark switch 308 and the first mirrortransistor 314 to the node 316. The second mirror transistor 318 mirrorsthe current at the first mirror transistor 314. In a particular example,the second mirror transistor 318 has larger dimensions than the firstmirror transistor 314, such that a second current is generated in thesecond mirror transistor 318 that is larger than the current across theexternal resistor 230. The larger dimensions of the second mirrortransistor 318 cause the second mirror transistor 318 to operate as acurrent multiplier. Thus, the current mirror 312 is used to produce adesired current from the PSE device based on a current across theexternal resistor 230 to produce the PD classification signature.

In a particular example, when the PD detection signal is active, the PDclassification mark is inactive. In this instance, the switches (Q1 andQ2) 302 and 304 will be on, and the switches (Q3 and Q4) 308 and 324 areinactive. In this case, the resistance seen between the positive andnegative power supply pins 222 and 224 is defined by the detectionresistor 230.

After PD detection is complete, the positive power supply terminal 222can receive a PD classification mark signal, and the integrated circuit300 is placed in a PD classification mark mode. In this instance, a PDclassification mark signal is asserted and the PD detection signal isde-asserted, activating switches (Q3 and Q4) 308 and 324 anddeactivating switches (Q1 and Q2) 302 and 304. In this example, acurrent between the first and second power supply pins 222 and 224 canbe defined by the following equation:

$\begin{matrix}{{{I{mark}} = {\frac{{Vref} - {{Vgs}\; 5} - {{Vgs}\; 7}}{Rdet}\left( {1 + \frac{\frac{W_{6}}{L_{6}}}{\frac{W_{5}}{L_{5}}}} \right)}},} & \left( {{Equation}\mspace{14mu} 1} \right)\end{matrix}$

where the variable (Imark) represents the PD classification marksignature, the variable (Vref) represents a voltage across the referencedevice 326, and the variable (Vgs5) represents a gate-source voltage atthe first mirror transistor (Q5) 314. Further, the variable (Vgs7)represents a gate-source voltage across the source follower circuit (Q7)320. Additionally, the variables (W₆ and L₆) represent width and lengthdimensions of the second mirror transistor (Q6) 318, and the variables(W₅ and L₅) represent the width and length dimensions of the firstmirror transistor (Q5) 314.

In general, though the current mirror 312 is shown as a single pair oftransistors (Q5 and Q6) 314 and 318, it should be understood that anynumber of current mirror circuit configurations may be used. Forexample, the current mirror 312 can include multiple current mirrors toproduce the second current (I₂). In a particular example, the dimensionsof each of the current mirrors can be designed to produce the secondcurrent (I₂), which is an amplified version of the first current (I₁).

FIG. 4 is a diagram of a particular illustrative embodiment of a portionof an integrated circuit device 400 including circuitry to utilize anexternal PD detection resistor 230 to selectively provide one of a PDdetection signature, a PD classification mark current, and one or moreother currents (or PD signatures). The integrated circuit 400 includespositive and negative power supply pins 222 and 224. The integratedcircuit 400 further includes a multi-use pin 232, where an externalresistor 230 is coupled between the positive power supply pin 222 andthe multi-use pin 232. The integrated circuit device 400 furtherincludes a powered device (PD) control logic circuit 402 that is adaptedto selectively activate a first switch (Q1) 302 to couple the multi-usepin 232 to the negative power supply pin 224. Additionally, the PDcontrol logic circuit 402 is adapted to selectively activate a switch(Q4) 308 and to deactivate the switch (Q1) 302. Further, the PD controllogic circuit 402 is adapted to selectively activate one of aclassification current switch 414, a classification mark current switch416, one or more other current switches 418, or any combination thereof,to selectively couple one of a classification current mirror 404, aclassification mark current mirror 406, or one or more other (Nth)current mirrors 408 to the negative power supply terminal 224.

For ease of discussion, only three current mirrors 404, 406 and 408 andthree corresponding switches 414, 416, and 418 are shown. However, itshould be understood that any number of current mirrors andcorresponding switches may be provided, depending on the implementation.In a particular example, the current mirrors may be used to generatemultiple currents, which may be used for a reference current, a PDdevice signature, a PD classification signature, a PD classificationmark signature, other currents, or any combination thereof.

In a particular embodiment, the PD control logic circuit 402 is adaptedto activate the switch 302 to couple the external resistor 230 to thenegative power supply terminal 224 via a first current path in responseto a PD detection signal. The PD control logic circuit 402 is furtheradapted to deactivate the switch 302 and to activate the switch 308 andone or more of the switches 414, 416, and 418 to couple the externalresistor to the negative power supply terminal 224 in parallel with oneof the classification current mirror 404, the classification markcurrent mirror 406, and the Nth current mirror 408 via at least onesecond current path. In a particular embodiment, each of the currentmirrors 404, 406, and 408 may be fabricated with different widths andlengths to multiply a current from the external resistor 230 by a gainfactor to produce a desired PD signature. In a particular example, thecurrent mirrors 404, 406, and 408 can be adapted to multiply the currentacross the external resistor 230 by different multipliers to producemultiple current levels ranging from approximately 300 μA toapproximately 350 mA, depending on the implementation.

In a particular example, by activating the transistor (Q1) 302 during aPD detection operation, a PD detection signature is produced by currentflowing from the positive power supply terminal 222 to the negativepower supply terminal 224 across the external resistor 230. During thePD detection operation, if a PD detection voltage of approximately 10volts is received at the positive power supply terminal 222, the PDdetection signature can be a current of approximately 380 μA. Incontrast, in response to receiving a PD classification voltage ofapproximately 18 volts, the PD control logic circuit 402 deactivates thetransistor (Q1) 302 and activates the transistor (Q4) 308 and thetransistor 414 to couple the classification current mirror 404 inparallel with the external resistor 230 to produce a classificationcurrent of approximately 36 mA. In this instance, the classificationcurrent mirror 404 can operate as a current source that reduces theeffective resistance of the PD circuit to approximately 500Ω. In thisinstance, the current mirror multiples a current across the externalresistor 230 to produce the 36 mA PD classification current.

Further, the PD classification mark current mirror 406 can beselectively activated by the PD control logic circuit 402 to multiply acurrent across the external resistor (when a 4 volt PD classificationmark voltage is received at the positive power supply pin 222) toproduce a PD classification mark current (Imark) that is approximately0.5 mA. In this example, the PD classification mark current mirror 406makes the PD appear to have an effective resistance of approximately 800Ω.

In a particular embodiment, any number of current mirrors, such as theN-th current mirror 408, can be provided to produce a correspondingnumber of currents from a current across the external resistor 230. Ineach example, the current mirror can be coupled to the external resistor230 to multiply the current by scaling factor to produce a desiredaggregate current. Further, in a particular example, each current mirrorcan include multiple transistor pairs to produce the desired current.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a particular illustrative embodiment of asystem 500 including an integrated circuit device 502 having a multi-usepin 506 coupled to an external circuit component 504 and including logiccircuitry to selectively utilize the external circuit component 504 fordifferent purposes. The integrated circuit device 502 includes firstlogic 508 to apply a first voltage to the external circuit component 504via a multi-use pin 506 during a first process. The integrated circuit502 further includes powered device (PD) control logic 518 toselectively activate a switch 520 to couple second logic 510 to themulti-use pin 506 during a second process. The PD control logic 518selectively activates a switch 522 to couple third logic 512 to themulti-use pin 506 during a third process. The PD control logic 518selectively activates a switch 524 to couple fourth logic 514 to themulti-use pin 506 during a fourth process.

In a particular embodiment, the integrated circuit 502 can include anynumber of logic circuits. Further, each logic circuit 510, 512, and 514can be adapted to multiply a current at the multi-use pin 506 by a gainfactor based on dimensions of a current mirror associated with each ofthe logic circuits 510, 512, and 514 to produce a desired PD signature.

In a particular alternative embodiment, the external circuit component504 can be a PD detection resistor, such as the PD detection resistor230 illustrated in FIG. 2-4. In an alternative embodiment, the externalcircuit component 504 can include a capacitor to provide a capacitivesignature to a PSE device and to function as a filter when a secondvoltage is applied. In one embodiment, the first process may be a PDdetection mode, the second process may be a PD classification mode, athird process may be a PD classification mark mode, and a fourth processmay be a normal operating mode, where the external circuit component 504includes logic to activate other components of the circuit. In analternative embodiment, the first logic 508 may apply a first currentand the second logic 510 may apply a second current to the multi-use pin506 to generate a voltage across the external circuit component 504,which voltage may produce a PD signature that is detectable by the PSEdevice.

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram of a particular illustrative embodiment of amethod of utilizing a detection resistor for multiple applications. At602, a powered device (PD) detection signal is received at a PD from apowered network. Advancing to 604, the PD detection signal is applied toan external resistor to provide a detection signature to the powerednetwork. In a particular embodiment, the external resistor is coupledbetween a first pin responsive to a first voltage supply terminal and asecond pin. In this particular instance, applying the detection voltageto the external resistor includes activating a PD detection switch tocouple the second pin to a second voltage supply terminal and isolatinga classification mark current mirror from the second pin.

Continuing to 606, a PD classification mark signal is received at thePD. Proceeding to 608, the received PD classification mark signal isapplied to the external resistor. Moving to 610, a classification markcurrent path in parallel with the external resistor is selectivelyactivated to produce a classification mark signature. In a particularembodiment, selectively activating a classification mark current pathincludes activating a classification mark switch including a firstterminal coupled to the external resistor and including a secondterminal coupled to a classification mark current mirror, where theclassification mark current mirror is adapted to draw a second currentthat aggregates with a first current across the external resistor toproduce the classification mark signature. In another particularembodiment, selectively activating a classification mark current pathincludes deactivating the PD detection switch to isolate the second pinfrom the second voltage supply terminal and activating a classificationmark switch to couple the second pin to the second voltage supplyterminal via the classification mark current path, where theclassification mark current path places a current source in parallelwith the external resistor. The method terminates at 612.

In a particular embodiment, the method further includes receiving a PDclassification signal at the PD, applying the PD classification signalto the external resistor, and selectively activating a classificationcurrent path in parallel with the external resistor to produce aclassification signature. In this particular example, selectivelyactivating the classification current path includes activating aclassification switch including a first terminal coupled to the externalresistor and a second terminal coupled to a classification currentmirror, where the classification current mirror is adapted to draw athird current that aggregates with a first current across the externalresistor to produce a PD classification signature. In another particularembodiment, the method further includes mirroring a current associatedwith the external resistor to produce a reference current for use byother components.

In conjunction with the circuit devices and methods disclosed herein, amulti-use pin allows an external resistor to be re-used to provide apowered device (PD) detection signature, a PD classification signature,a PD classification mark signature, a reference current, other signals,or any combination thereof. Further, it should be understood that byre-using a pin and an external circuit component for multiple purposes,the overall number of pins may be reduced and the number of externalcomponents to provide the various Power over Ethernet (PoE) signals canalso be reduced. Further, the external resistor can be re-used formultiple different applications.

While the above-discussion has focused on Power over Ethernet (PoE)implementations, it should be understood that other types of circuitsmay also be used. Additionally, instead of PoE, other types of data andpower supply techniques may be applied whereby data and power aretransmitted to the circuit via a common cable. Further, it should beunderstood that standards, such as the PoE Standard and the PoE+Standard, may evolve over time. It is anticipated that future revisionsmay include multiple current signatures and other types of signalhand-shaking that may require additional currents or PD device signals,which currents or PD device signals can be produced using an externalcircuit component (such as the external resistor) in conjunction with amulti-use pin.

Further, the above-discussion has described particular circuitimplementations that are referenced to a particular voltage polarity.However, it should be understood that the polarities at the voltage pinand at the multi-use pin may be referenced to a negative voltagepolarity, a positive voltage polarity, another logic level, or anycombination thereof. Additionally, the external resistor can be anexternal resistor circuit that includes one or more resistors inparallel.

Additionally, while the above-described embodiments have focused onPower over Ethernet (PoE) implementations; however, in a particularembodiment, the circuit device can be implemented to make use of anexternal resistor, such as a high precision external resistor, formultiple purposes. In a particular example, one or more current sourcesmay be selectively coupled in parallel with the external resistor toprovide one or more signals. By adjusting the dimensions, the structure,or any combination thereof of the transistors that are used to form thecurrent mirror, multiple possible current signals may be generated thatare related to a signal applied to the external resistor.

Although the present invention has been described with reference topreferred embodiments, workers skilled in the art will recognize thatchanges may be made in form and detail without departing from the spiritand scope of the invention.

1. An integrated circuit for use in a Power Over Ethernet (POE) powereddevice, the integrated circuit comprising: a first conductive terminalconfigurable to couple to a first terminal of an external resistor; asecond conductive terminal configurable to couple to a second terminalof an external resistor; and a controller configured to selectivelycouple the second conductive terminal to a power supply terminal toprovide a powered device detection signature in response to a powereddevice detection signal, the controller to selectively couple the secondconductive terminal to the power supply terminal through a currentsource to produce a powered device classification mark signature inresponse to a classification mark signal.
 2. The integrated circuit ofclaim 1, wherein the controller selectively couples the secondconductive terminal to the power supply terminal through a secondcurrent source to produce a powered device classification signature inresponse to a powered device classification signal.
 3. The integratedcircuit of claim 1, wherein the controller selectively couples the firstconductive terminal to a reference voltage to produce a referencecurrent in response to receiving a power supply from a power sourceequipment (PSE) device.
 4. The integrated circuit of claim 1, furthercomprising: the power supply terminal; the current source coupled to thesecond conductive terminal; a first switch coupled between the powersupply terminal and the second conductive terminal; a second switchcoupled between the current source and the power supply terminal; andwherein the controller is configured to selectively activate the firstswitch in response to the powered device detection signal and the secondswitch in response to the classification mark signal.
 5. The integratedcircuit of claim 4, further comprising: a second current source coupledto the second conductive terminal; a third switch coupled between thesecond current source and the power supply terminal; and wherein thecontroller is configured to selectively activate the third switch inresponse to a powered device classification signal.
 6. The integratedcircuit of claim 1, further comprising a communications interfacecoupled to the controller and configurable to couple to a network cablefor receiving power and data from a power source equipment (PSE) device.7. The integrated circuit of claim 1, further comprising a referencevoltage generator coupled to the first conductive terminal andconfigured to generate a reference voltage.
 8. An integrated circuitcomprising: a positive supply pin configurable to couple to a firstterminal of an external circuit component; a multi-use pin configurableto couple to a second terminal of the external circuit component; andcontrol circuitry configurable to selectively couple the multi-use pinto a selected one of a plurality of current paths, the control circuitryto couple a first path of the plurality of current paths to themulti-use pin to provide a powered device detection signature and tocouple a second path of the plurality of current paths to the multi-usepin to provide a powered device classification signal.
 9. The integratedcircuit of claim 8, wherein the control circuitry is configured tocouple the multi-use pin to a third path of the plurality of currentpaths to provide a third signal.
 10. The integrated circuit of claim 8,wherein the external circuit component comprises a passive circuitelement.
 11. The integrated circuit of claim 10, wherein the passivecircuit element comprises at least one of a resistor, a capacitor, andan inductor.
 12. The integrated circuit of claim 8, wherein the externalcircuit component comprises an active circuit component.
 13. Theintegrated circuit of claim 12, wherein the active circuit componentcomprises at least one of a transistor, a filter, and an amplifier. 14.The integrated circuit of claim 8, wherein the first path comprises: adetection switch including a first terminal coupled to the multi-usepin, a second terminal coupled to a negative supply pin, and a controlterminal; and wherein the control circuitry includes a powered devicedetection control circuit coupled to the control terminal of thedetection switch and configured to selectively activate the detectionswitch to conduct current from the multi-use pin to the negative supplypin in response to a powered device detection signal.
 15. The integratedcircuit of claim 8, wherein the second path comprises: a classificationmark switch including a first terminal, a second terminal coupled to anegative supply pin, and a control terminal; a first current generatorincluding a first current electrode coupled to the positive supply pin,a second current electrode coupled to the first terminal of theclassification mark switch, and a third current electrode coupled to themulti-use pin; and wherein the control circuitry includes a powereddevice classification control circuit that is coupled to the controlterminal of the classification mark switch and configured to selectivelyactivate the classification mark switch to conduct current from themulti-use pin to the negative supply pin in response to a powered deviceclassification mark signal.
 16. The integrated circuit of claim 15,wherein the plurality of current paths comprises a third pathcomprising: a classification switch including a first terminal, a secondterminal coupled to the negative supply pin, and a control terminal; asecond current generator including a first current electrode coupled tothe positive supply pin, a second current electrode coupled to the firstterminal of the classification switch, and a third current electrodecoupled to the multi-use pin; and wherein the controller is coupled tothe control terminal of the classification switch and configured toselectively activate the classification switch to conduct current fromthe multi-use pin to the negative supply pin in response to a powereddevice classification signal.
 17. An apparatus comprising: a first pinconfigurable to couple to a first terminal of an external circuitcomponent; a multi-use pin configurable to couple to a second terminalof an external circuit component; a first current flow path having afirst terminal coupled to a supply terminal and having a secondterminal; a second current flow path having a first terminal coupled thesupply terminal and having a second terminal; and control circuitryconfigured to selectively couple the second terminal of one of the firstcurrent flow path and the second current flow path to the multi-use pinin response to a signal on the first pin.
 18. The apparatus of claim 17,wherein the control circuitry couples the first current flow path to themulti-use pin in response to a powered device detection signal.
 19. Theapparatus of claim 17, wherein the control circuitry couples the secondcurrent flow path to the multi-use pin in response to a powered deviceclassification signal.
 20. The apparatus of claim 17, furthercomprising: a third current flow path having a first terminal coupled toa supply terminal and having a second terminal; and wherein the controlcircuitry selectively couples the second terminal of the third currentflow path to the multi-use pin in response to a classification marksignal.